Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed Amazon’s announcement of a £40 billion investment in the United Kingdom over the next three years, describing it as a “massive vote of confidence” in the UK’s business environment. This investment aligns with the government’s Industrial Strategy, aiming to foster innovation, create jobs, and enhance regional development.
Key Components of the Investment
- Fulfillment Centres and Delivery Stations: Amazon plans to construct four new robotic fulfillment centres in Hull, Northampton, the East Midlands, and an additional site. Each centre is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs, totaling over 8,000 new positions across the UK.
- Data Centre Expansion: As part of the £8 billion previously announced by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company will invest in building, operating, and maintaining data centres in the UK. This expansion aims to support the UK’s growing demand for cloud and AI technologies, contributing an estimated £14 billion to the UK economy over five years and creating 14,000 full-time equivalent jobs annually.
- Creative Industries Investment: Amazon is redeveloping the historic Bray Film Studios in Berkshire, enhancing its UK entertainment production capabilities. This initiative supports the UK’s creative sector, providing opportunities for talent development and contributing to the nation’s cultural economy.
- Workforce Development and Apprenticeships: In 2025, Amazon will offer 1,000 new full-time apprenticeship roles across various fields, including data science, cybersecurity, marketing, and engineering. Additionally, Amazon’s Career Choice program will continue to support employees in gaining nationally recognized qualifications, with up to £8,000 in training costs covered.
- Infrastructure and Regional Development: The investment includes upgrades and expansions to Amazon’s existing network of over 100 operations buildings across the UK. This infrastructure development aims to enhance service efficiency and support local economies, particularly in regions outside London and the South East.
Government and Industry Reactions
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer: “Amazon’s £40 billion investment adds another major win to Britain’s basket and is a massive vote of confidence in the UK as the best place to do business.”
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves: “This investment is a powerful endorsement of Britain’s economic strengths. The world is changing, but this Government is working hand in hand with businesses to navigate that change to create jobs, wealth, and opportunity in every corner of the country.”
- Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds: “Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, and seeing massive international firms like Amazon bank in Britain shows we are on the right track.”
Amazon’s £40 billion investment in the UK represents a significant commitment to the nation’s economic future. By focusing on infrastructure, technology, creative industries, and workforce development, Amazon is not only expanding its operations but also contributing to the broader goals of innovation, job creation, and regional growth. This strategic move aligns with the UK’s Industrial Strategy and sets a precedent for future investments in the nation’s economic landscape.